Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Digital Process Automation
Digital process automation (DPA) is a fast-growing field. It is a combination of rapid technology adoption, regulatory frameworks and heightened customer expectations for a seamless experience. The main players in this field are equipment manufacturers, IT service companies, network operators and new AI players. The equipment manufacturers have built up automation platforms and the IT service companies have focused on delivering bespoke solutions to increase efficiency. The network operators are integrating IoT and biometrics to create secure, scalable environments. The new AI players are disrupting traditional business models with their advanced analytic capabilities. These technology-based differentiators are critical to the market positioning and the market share. Growth opportunities are emerging in all regions, but especially in Asia-Pacific and North America. In these regions, strategic deployments are expected to focus on sustainability and digital transformation initiatives through 2024–2025.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors offer comprehensive solutions that integrate various aspects of digital process automation, enabling organizations to streamline operations effectively.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| IBM Corporation |
Strong AI and analytics capabilities |
AI-driven automation solutions |
Global |
| Oracle Corporation |
Robust cloud infrastructure |
Cloud-based automation platforms |
Global |
| Pegasystems Inc. |
Customer engagement focus |
Business process management |
Global |
| Appian Corporation |
Low-code development platform |
Rapid application development |
Global |
| Software AG |
Integration and API management |
Process integration solutions |
Global |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors focus on niche technologies that enhance specific aspects of digital process automation, providing targeted solutions.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Bizagi Group Limited |
User-friendly process modeling |
Business process automation |
Global |
| TIBCO Software Inc. |
Real-time data integration |
Data-driven automation solutions |
Global |
| Newgen Software Technologies Ltd. |
Document management expertise |
Enterprise content management |
Asia-Pacific, Middle East |
| Bonitasoft |
Open-source flexibility |
Process automation platform |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors provide the necessary infrastructure and tools that support the deployment and management of digital process automation solutions.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| OpenText Corporation |
Enterprise information management |
Content services and automation |
Global |
| DST Systems Inc. |
Financial services specialization |
Investment management solutions |
North America |
| DXC |
IT services and consulting |
End-to-end digital transformation |
Global |
| Infosys |
Strong consulting and IT services |
Digital transformation services |
Global |
| Blue-Infinity |
Digital marketing integration |
Digital experience solutions |
Europe |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Then came UiPath (USA), a comprehensive RPA platform with artificial intelligence. Recently it entered into a partnership with a large health care provider to automate the process of onboarding new patients. It is challenging the established vendors like Automation Anywhere by offering a more intuitive user interface.
- IT automation and service desk automation specialist, Automation Edge recently won a contract to automate the customer service operations of a major telecommunications provider. This company complements the more traditional BPM companies with its focus on IT automation.
- Kissflow (India): Provides a no-code platform for process automation and workflow management, recently implemented solutions for several SMEs in the manufacturing sector, challenging larger players by targeting the low-code/no-code market segment.
- Nintex (Australia): Focuses on process mapping and automation solutions, recently expanded its presence in the Asia-Pacific region with new partnerships, complementing established vendors by enhancing user experience and integration capabilities.
- Pega (USA): Known for its customer engagement and digital process automation solutions, recently launched a new AI-driven feature for predictive analytics, challenging competitors by integrating advanced analytics into process automation.
Regional Trends: In 2022, the Asia-Pacific region saw a sharp rise in the adoption of DPA solutions, driven by the need for cost-efficiency and operational efficiency. In the same period, the trend towards low-code and no-code platforms continued to grow, enabling non-technical users to automate processes. In the meantime, industries such as health and telecommunications continued to favour bespoke automation solutions to address their specific operational challenges.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- UiPath and Microsoft entered into a partnership to integrate UiPath's automation capabilities with Microsoft Azure, aiming to enhance cloud-based automation solutions and strengthen their competitive positioning in the growing cloud market.
- ServiceNow acquired the automation platform vendor, Element AI, to bolster its AI-driven workflow automation capabilities, thereby expanding its market share in the digital process automation sector.
- IBM and Automation Anywhere announced a collaboration to deliver AI-powered automation solutions, focusing on improving operational efficiency for enterprises and enhancing their competitive edge in the automation landscape.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Biometric Self-Boarding |
NEC Corporation, Gemalto |
Biometric boarding has been implemented at major airports, improving the flow of passengers and reducing waiting time. It is highly accurate and reliable, and has been successfully tested at several airports. |
| AI-Powered Ops Mgmt |
UiPath, Automation Anywhere |
Enterprises have adopted UiPath's AI-based automation tools to reduce their operating costs by up to 30 percent. Automation Anywhere's platform is embedded with the capability to make real-time decisions. |
| Border Control |
Thales Group, SITA |
Thales Group has developed an advanced system of passport control using facial recognition which, thanks to this system, speeds up the identification of travellers. SITA’s smart border solutions have been implemented in several countries and have improved the security and efficiency of border control. |
| Sustainability |
IBM, SAP |
The objective of the IBM sustainable development programme is to reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing by digitising the production process. In the same way, SAP’s solutions help companies to manage their sustainable development goals and to demonstrate their commitment to the environment. |
| Passenger Experience |
Amadeus, Travelport |
Amadeus has enriched the traveller’s experience with a wide range of travel solutions, leading to a significant increase in passenger satisfaction. Travelport’s digital platforms offer a seamless, convenient way to book travel, and case studies show that users are more engaged and retained. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Digital Process Landscape
The DPA market in 2022 will be highly fragmented and characterized by a high degree of competition, with both legacy and newcomers vying for leadership. In terms of regional trends, North America and Europe will continue to be the most automation-driven markets, while Asia-Pacific will be characterized by a rapid uptake of new, disruptive solutions. Strategically, vendors will have to focus on capabilities such as AI, automation, sustainability and flexibility to differentiate themselves from the competition. The vendors that have been around for a long time will continue to focus on integrating new technology into their existing frameworks, while newcomers will disrupt the market with agile cloud-based solutions. In this fast-moving market, the ability to adapt and to innovate will be key to leadership.
